Surname Waigt - Meaning and Origin
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Waigt: What does the surname Waigt mean?
The last name Waigt is a German surname which is derived from the German word ‘Wag’ meaning ‘to carry or navigate’. It is likely that the name originated with individuals who were associated with shipping and transportation, particularly in coastal or river areas. The surname is thought to have first appeared in the North German region of Lower Saxony during the medieval era.
The spelling of the surname Waigt is very distinctive and it is unlikely to have been altered between different languages or dialects. It is also relatively uncommon with only around 5,500 people in Germany bearing the name. There are various alternative versions of the name such as Wagner, Wagener, Wagemann and Wagenseil.
In early medieval times, individuals with the Waigt surname may have been responsible for navigating river barges, ferrying goods across rivers and carrying cargo between inland towns and maritime settlements. In coastal regions, they may have been in charge of ships carrying passengers and supplies. Later on, the name may have become associated with the burgeoning mercantile activities of the Hanseatic League. As a status symbol, it is possible that some members of the aristocracy may have adopted the Waigt surname when engaging in trade.
Today, the name Waigt is still present in Germany and parts of Scandinavia, with many individuals bearing the name living inLower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein. It is also may be found in areas that were formerly German such as in Russia and Poland.
Order DNA origin analysisWaigt: Where does the name Waigt come from?
The last name Waigt is of German origin and is still relatively common today, particularly in Germany and other parts of Central Europe. It is also found in moderated amounts in North America, especially the United States, as well as Australia and other parts of the world.
The Waigt surname is slightly less common in Germany than in past centuries, but is still a frequent name throughout the country. Waigt is more regularly found in the northern and central regions of Germany, such as Lower Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein, and North Rhine-Westphalia.
The name has become more widespread through immigration patterns and is regularly seen in densely populated immigrant areas throughout the United States, including cities like New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Houston.
Always a popular name in its home country, Waigt has essentially been carried over into other parts of the world, where it continues to be quite well known. In more recent centuries, as immigrants have journeyed to places such as North America, Waigt has become popular in those areas, as well. This is becoming increasingly commonplace as families move around the world on a regular basis and search for a sense of identity.
Variations of the surname Waigt
Waigt is a rare German surname that can also have some variants. Variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for Waigt include Weigt, Weicht, Weigth, Weichth, Waecht, Waight, Wecht, Weigcht, Weght, Weicht, Weigtht, Weycht, Wacht, and Waigth.
The surname Waigt is derived from the Middle High German word Wacht, meaning "guardian" or "guard." This name was given to people who held guard or security positions, such as tower guards, court guardians, or castle guardians.
The surname Waigt can be found in records from Germany dating back to the 1500s, with a particular concentration of the name in Schleswig-Holstein, a northernmost state in Germany that was bordered by Denmark. During the 16th and 17th centuries, a land dispute between the Danish and German kingdoms caused a large number of German families to flee to the land now known as Schleswig-Holstein, including families with the surname Waigt.
The name is most commonly found in northern Germany, and can also be seen throughout the United States, particularly in areas with high German immigration such as the Midwest. Today, the surname Waigt is still in use in Germany, as well as in many other countries around the world.
Famous people with the name Waigt
- Dave Waigand: American sound recordist and mixer who has worked on films such as The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay: Part 2, and The Fault in Our Stars.
- April Waigand: American actress who is best known for playing the role of Barb on the Amazon original series Trophy Wife.
- Jack Waigt: American film producer best known for his work on films such as Pacific Rim Uprising, Unstoppable, and Mechanic: Resurrection.
- Eryn Waigle: American philanthropist and executive director of the non-profit organization Invisible People, which works to end homelessness in the United States.
- Jake Waigt: American association football (soccer) player who has played for teams such as Real Salt Lake, Orlando City SC, and Generation Adidas.
- Rich Waigt: American actor, writer, and film producer who is best known for his work on sitcoms such as Paul and Jamie, Two and a Half Men, and Shark.
- Günther Oskar Waigt: German astrologer and author who wrote numerous books on astrology and personal development throughout the 1930s to 1950s.
- Peter Waigt: Austrian actor, singer, and writer best known for his work in stage productions such as Vienna’s renowned classical theater Burgtheater.